British expats in Portugal fear possible Brexit
(14 Mar 2016) Thousands of British expatriates have learned to love the pleasure the Portuguese sunshine and the easier lifestyle, but with the so called Brexit on the horizon, a cloud of uncertainty is taking shape in the Algarve's blue skies. What will happen if Britain votes to leave the European Union in a June referendum?
The UK and Portugal are both part of the 28 countries making up the bloc.
EU laws stipulate that the bloc's citizens have the same rights as those nationals in any other member nation.
The impending ballot has brought questions and concerns for the British expats about what might happen if they no longer belong to the EU.
Would the so-called 'Brexit' bring different rules for their property ownerships and taxation, as well as inheritance rights?
Will British expats still be entitled to local welfare benefits and free public health services?
Would they still be able to have automatic residence and work permits?
In Vilamoura, where many expatriates live in extensive condominiums, the Lawn Bowls green showcases one of Britain's most genteel sports.
The Vilamoura Lawn Bowls Club has around 40 members who play three-hour games, and there is enough interest in the sport from Britons living along Portugal's southern Algarve coastline to sustain eight lawn bowls clubs which now play in two leagues.
For John Hewitson, who retired out here with his wife 15 years ago and lives off his British old-age pension, the immediate worry is the exchange rate.
The British pound has weakened recently as markets fret over the referendum.
If sterling drops to parity with the shared euro currency, which Portugal uses, it would be a disaster for pensioners, he says.
Campaigners who want the UK out of the EU say they are fed up with, among other things, immigrants having access to often overstretched British welfare benefits and public services.
The House of Commons library calculates there are around three (m) million EU migrants living in the UK.
Peter Booker, who retired with his schoolteacher wife to Tavira in the eastern Algarve 17 years ago after a three-decade career in the British coal industry, founded the Algarve History Association, which encourages expatriates to learn about Portugal.
Booker rejects the benefits argument, saying reciprocity is fair and right.
He said he benefits in Portugal ... and the Portuguese benefit in Britain. That, he said, is right and it should remain like that.
Sheila MacDonald a retired Scottish woman, lives in Tavira Garden, a condominium set around a large swimming pool, in the town of the same name, that is home to dozens of expatriates.
She came for the healthy climate and belongs to expat clubs that study books, music and archaeology.
She worries about welfare and this whole business of 'no welfare for people who are emigrating into Great Britain, and asks about the Brits who have emigrated into the EU.
Sixty-year-old Michael Wood says the Portuguese Health Service has been a good friend to him as well, with prices next to nothing when compared to Britain.
Wood does not consider returning anytime soon.
Why? Why would I want to? He says with a smile.
Britain's House of Commons library estimates there are roughly 1.2 (m) million British migrants living in other EU countries, especially France, Spain and Portugal.
Analysts reckon, however, the true number could be at least double that and maybe a lot more because many people don't bother registering with their embassies or local authorities.
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THE NEW BOWLING DESTINATION
ALDEAMENTO PEDRAS da RAINHA-TAVIRA-ALGARVE-PORTUGAL
Four Seasons Vilamoura
Located in the heart of the resort of Vilamoura, our child friendly complex is ideally situated where the whole family can enjoy the beauty of the Algarve. Just 15 minutes walk or a short ride by road train from the renowned Vilamoura Marina with its fabulous bars and restaurants. Many sporting and leisure facilities await you. Breathtaking Blue Flag beaches, water parks, championship golf courses, tennis, lawn bowling, mini golf... there's always lots to do!
Pedras Da Rainha
Holiday in Portugal April 2015
Spacious and tranquil 4 bed frontline golf villa - PortugalProperty.com - PP2948
Price: €750,000
Description:
Exceptional spacious detached 4-bed golf front villa on a large 1600m2 plot, designed and positioned to receive maximum sun exposure from balconies and terraces, surrounded by mature plants and sub-tropical gardens make for a very private and tranquil property. Located within the exclusive Santo Antonio Golf and Spa resort on the edge of the 12th fairway. Bordering the Costa Vincentina Natural Park and just a few minutes drive to some of the most stunning beaches the area has to offer.
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Off the first floor hallway, there is a W.C with sink and toilet. an attractive staircase leading to the ground floor takes you to the 3 further double bedrooms. The second bedroom has a full en-suite, there is also a full family bathroom. All bedrooms have fitted wardrobes, ceiling fans, air con and patio doors leading out onto the lower terrace. There is also large under stairs storage area and access out onto the terrace from the hallway.
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Great investment with a significant holiday or long term rental potential, alternatively a dream family home.
Parque da Floresta now known as Santo Antonio Golf & Spa Village, is a high quality resort in the unspoilt Western Algarve offering excellent amenities including, a well maintained 18 hole golf course with golf academy and driving range, clubhouse, large swimming pool, several good restaurants, a floodlit tennis academy, an elegant spa with a wide range of massage and beauty treatments, a kids club catering for children of all ages, a championship bowling green, a first class fitness centre. Other activities include archery as well as mountain biking and horse riding in the stunning adjacent Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve.
Salema is a charming fishing village with a beautiful golden sand beach, on the sunny south coast of Portugal. Friendly locals and holidaymakers mix happily, whilst the fishermen bringing in their catch each morning. A sleepy fishing village over the Winter that comes alive in the summer with an excellent choice of restaurants, bars and eateries.
Costa Vincentina natural park the is most Westerly piont of the Algarve and streches from Burgau on the south coast for 90km up the west coast into the Alentejo. A protected area said to be one of the last streches of undeveloped coastline in mainland Europe. A diverse selection of flaura and fauna some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the World. known as the wild West with it beautiful beaches, rugged coastline and scenery this area of the Algarve offers a slower pace of life.
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If You Love Portugal, You’ll Love PortugalProperty.com
T0 Pedras da Rainha com mezzanine, totalmente remodelado.
Susana Pinto 918 948 221
susana.pinto@century21.pt
Century21 Plaza
Tavira
Green cutting
Cutting 2nd green at St Andrews golf club. 5:20 am Saturday
Residence Golf Club Vilamoura - Vilamoura - Portugal
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***Once confirmed please call out UK office on 01706 833693 to provide your flight details. You must contact 0845 1932318 at least 48 hrs prior to arrival to arrange key collection & directions***,In Vilamoura there is a beautiful Marina with a large variety of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. There is also a Casino with a nightclub and shows. Either side of the marina are two Blue Flag beaches where you can go scuba diving, windsurfing, jet-skiing and paragliding. There is a shooting range, lawn bowls and a waterpark nearby. At the end of the road is a bus stop that will take you to Vilamoura town centre and marina, or to Albufeira. Alternatively the short taxi ride to the marina will cost you only 5 Euros. Only 30 minutes from Zoomarina, where you can pre-book to swim with the dolphins or just enjoy the swimming, animal shows and rides. Water parks in close proximity, including Aqua Show and Slide & Splash. Only 100 metres from the Millennium Golf Course and in close proximity to Victoria and the Laguna, this is an ideal holiday destination for golf lovers . Tee off times can be booked at the Club House for these courses.,This beautiful brand new apartment is situated in the more peaceful area of the complex with superb views over the forest and the Millennium golf course. There is a large decked balcony which enjoys the afternoon and late evening sunshine where you can enjoy eating outside or relaxing in the sun. This is the ideal place for a family, golfing or activity holiday, or if you are just looking to relax. Residence Golf has something for everyone. The RRP Residence Golf apartments form part of our �Home from Home� portfolio of privately owned and furnished apartments available for short-term holiday rental. These properties are ideal for: - Families with two or more children requiring extra space - Couples looking for a touch of luxury - Discerning clients looking for a high standard of accommodation Important: ***Once confirmed please call out UK office on 01706 833693 to provide your flight details*** For guests arriving between the hours of 22.00 and 09.00 there is a �30 charge payable on arrival.,
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